First Aid Kits in the Workplace

Every business or company is different, so all first aid requirements will be different as well. Depending on the size, location, type and number of employees working there, all places of work NEED to their first aid arrangements in place or it could mean serious problems.

Accidents happen, no matter which industry you work in. Being prepared for the worst can prevent serious injuries, which is why having the right first aid requirements and suitably trained first aid officers is so important.

ALL employees need to have access to a first aid kit at all times. What is inside the kit depends on the size of the business and the level of risks. A high risk workplace has a number of high risks that could cause serious injuries, like a construction site. A low risk workplace is one where workers are not exposed to any hazards that can cause serious injuries or illnesses.

Low Risk Workplace:

  Ø  One first aid kit for every 10 – 50 workers

  Ø  One extra kit for every additional 50  workers

  Ø  After 200, every additional 100 workers requires one extra kit

High Risk Workplace:

  Ø  One first aid kit for up to 25 workers

  Ø  Two kits for up to 50 employees

  Ø  After 50, every additional 50 workers requires one extra kit

The supplies that go into each first aid kit may vary, however each kit should have the basic equipment to administer first aid to an injury. The extra supplies in a first aid kit will be based on the workplace and what injuries may occur. Someone who has been trained to know basic first aid should be the one who keeps control of the first aid kit.

A first aid kit does not need to be fancy – take a look through the affordable first aid kits available from www.supplydoctor.co.za

Why every home needs a First Aid Kit

In light of the recent devastation caused by the fires in Knysna, we have decided to put together a list of the benefits of having a first aid kit as well as some of the contents that should be inside.

Having a first aid kit in your home is not an option, it is a necessity!

  n  A Central Location

Your first aid kit should contain all the essential medical supplies and products, meaning a person can immediately run to the location of the first aid kit and everything will be in one central location. As a rule, make sure that everyone in your family, all your friends and others such as your domestic workers, babysitters, etc. all know where the first aid kit is located. NOTE: Never place a first aid kit somewhere a toddler/young child can reach it.

  n  Travel

If you do not have a first aid kit in your car already you can bring your home first aid kit along on the road. Accidents can happen, like a burnt finger from the camp fire or even a minor fender bender, so make sure your first aid kit is on hand at all times. NOTE: It is best to have two first aid kits, one for the car and one for your home.

Here are some of the things you should have in your first aid kit:

       -          Crepe bandages

       -          Adhesive bandages

       -          Gauze pads

       -          Eye pad

       -          Scissors

       -          Disposable gloves

       -          Tweezers

       -          A space blanket

       -          Safety pins

       -          Burn dressing

       -          Plasters

       -          Thermometer

Supply Doctor has a range of first aid kits, including an affordable a home first aid kit. Should you want to simply buy supplies for your kit, all of the above are available from the Supply Doctor online medical supply store.